What Up Dawg? up for approval of later hours

By Beau Hayhoe | Originally Published: 02/20/12 10:00pm |Modified: 02/20/12 10:00pm |

The face of the late-night dining scene in downtown East Lansing could change if the city council approves an application from a local restaurant to extend its hours and beer sales.

The city council is scheduled to hold a public hearing at its 7 p.m. meeting today at City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, to consider an application from the owner of What Up Dawg?, 317 M.A.C. Ave., to allow beer sales until 2 a.m. and allow the dining room to remain open until 3 a.m. The council then will make a decision on whether to vote on the application or obtain more information before taking action.

The restaurant currently stops serving beer at midnight, and the kitchen closes at 1 a.m., owner Seth Tompkins said.

The East Lansing Planning Commission unanimously recommended that council approve the application in January.

Restrictions on operations initially were put in place after concerns from officials at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 M.A.C. Ave., regarding late hours of operation and the potential for accompanying disturbances in the area, Tompkins said. Church officials said they now support the application for the extended hours.

Tompkins said support for the application from city officials makes him more confident heading into the meeting.

Political theory and constitutional democracy senior and Planning Commission member Stephen Wooden said he thinks it’s likely council members will approve the application.

“(St. John) and What Up Dawg? have had a great relationship,” he said. “They thought it would be better for What Up Dawg?’s business to extend their hours, and we agree.”

If approved, Tompkins said he does not yet know when he will start the new hours of operation or if he will hire more staff.

Councilmember Don Power said despite the planning commission’s recommendation for approval, council members’ perception of the impact to surrounding businesses could determine the final decision. He also wondered if the emphasis on alcohol sales might change with extended hours.

“Knowing that he, in his business plan, is dealing with one product, and that’s called hot dogs, will that change the mix of his business?” Power said. “I’m inclined to give him a chance to do it.”

Criminal justice junior David O’Connell, who has been to What Up Dawg?, said he would be more likely to frequent the business late at night if the application is approved.

“Because the bars close at 2 (a.m.) and everyone wants to go eat, being open until 3 (a.m.) would be beneficial to them,” he said.